the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Damon Lembi
  • 4.9 (59)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

The Learn-It-All™ podcast is built on the conviction that the leaders worth following aren't the ones with all the answers. They're the ones who never stop learning. If you've chosen growth over coasting, and curiosity over the comfort of being the smartest person in the room, you're a learn-it-all. And this podcast is for you. Host Damon Lembi is a 3x bestselling author, CEO of Learnit, and someone who has spent 30 years watching what separates leaders who keep growing from those who quietly become the ceiling that limits everyone around them. Each episode features real conversations with top executives, founders, NYT bestselling authors, and world-class athletes — people who've faced adversity, made costly mistakes, and done the hard, unglamorous work of growing. They share what they learned — and unlearned — to lead at the next level. Great leaders aren't born or made. They're always in the making. Let's not do that work alone. Stay curious. Keep learning. Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode.

  1. 305. "I Didn't Think I Was a Leader" — Then He Captained the All Blacks 52 Times | Kieran Read

    1d ago

    305. "I Didn't Think I Was a Leader" — Then He Captained the All Blacks 52 Times | Kieran Read

    What if the secret to elite leadership isn't a natural-born talent, but a learned skill forged through vulnerability and connection? Many emerging leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, questioning if they are "good enough" to lead more experienced peers or step into high-pressure roles. In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Kieran Read, former captain of the legendary New Zealand All Blacks, to discuss the transition from high-performing individual contributor to world-class leader. Kieran reveals why the most impactful leaders lead through authentic action rather than "big speeches," how to build trust by initiating care and connection first, and the importance of having the courage to be "uncomfortable" to achieve true growth. Whether you are a first-time manager or a senior director, Kieran’s insights on "horizontal leadership" and empowering those around you will help you develop the confidence to lead your team toward excellence. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In this episode, you’ll learn... Why trying to emulate a "movie version" of a leader often fails, and how sticking to your personal values and personality builds more trust and connection with your team.How to build a foundation of care and connection through simple daily interactions like sitting with someone new at lunch, before attempting to hold people to high levels of accountability.Strategies for young leaders to gain respect from senior team members by utilizing their expertise and focusing on owning your specific role rather than trying to do everything yourself.Why a leader must "flip a switch" from disappointment back to work to best prepare their team for the next challenge.Why the number one job of a coach or leader is to build a team member's confidence until they are ready to believe in their own "invincibility". Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction1:17 - The dream Kieran Read never thought was realistic2:52 - When a coach sees the leader before you do4:50 - The first thing new leaders should figure out7:33 - How to lead people older and more experienced than you9:11 - The leadership mistake TV teaches you to make10:25 - The loss that taught Kieran he was trying too hard11:47 - Why the best teams don’t depend on one leader13:28 - The phone call every New Zealand kid dreams of15:04 - Walking into a locker room full of legends20:03 - What to do when your ego gets bruised21:39 - What Richie McCaw quietly taught about leadership25:13 - Taking over after a legend without copying him27:38 - Why leaders need to connect before they correct30:26 - The hidden weight of leading under pressure32:12 - How trust makes hard conversations easier34:02 - The conversation leaders avoid until it costs them38:38 - The price of being someone people look up to40:50 - The seven-month reflection that changed his next chapter44:38 - Why belief has to come before confidence46:13 - The coach’s real job isn’t technical47:12 - Inside Kieran’s Human Endeavour leadership program49:59 - Why leadership is learned, not born51:26 - The snowball effect of better leaders52:07 - The legacy that matters more than winning About Kieran Read Kieran Read is a legendary figure in international sports, having captained the New Zealand All Blacks 52 times during a career that included two World Cup championships. Rising from a self-described "shy kid" to a global leader, Kieran transitioned into professional leadership coaching after a period of intense self-reflection and academic study of applied management. Today, he is a keynote speaker and the creator of The Human Endeavour, a program dedicated to distilling his years of high-performance experience into actionable leadership pillars for the corporate and sporting worlds. Resources and Mentions Kieran Read’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-read-00821384/ Kieran Read’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kieranread08/ The Human Endeavour Program: https://www.redseed.com/kieranread-leadership Kieran Read’s website: https://www.kieranread.co.nz/ Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    53 min
  2. 304. Why Your Skills Aren't Enough to Get What You Want | Quinn Harwood

    6d ago

    304. Why Your Skills Aren't Enough to Get What You Want | Quinn Harwood

    Are you settling for stagnant performance because you're wrestling with a deep-seated lack of confidence or the "imposter syndrome" mask? In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with executive coach and author Quinn Harwood to dismantle the barriers that keep high-performing emerging leaders from reaching their next level. Quinn shares his journey from professional basketball with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, where a teenage Kobe Bryant showed him the true meaning of "next level" confidence, to coaching thousands on how to bridge the gap between performance and results. They dive into the psychology of the "hypocrite monster," the critical pivot from a victim mentality to radical ownership, and why a "gateway habit" at the end of your day is more impactful than your morning routine. If you are a millennial or Gen Z leader feeling stuck in your career growth, this conversation provides a clear roadmap to align your mission with your money and build unshakeable resilience. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In this episode, you’ll learn... How to defeat the "hypocrite monster"Why moving from "the blame game" to a solutions-based mindset is the ultimate game-changer for reducing stress and achieving consistent results.The "Kobe Level" of confidence: How to move past an intrinsic lack of confidence by attacking your growth gaps with a "Mamba Mentality."Why developing social skills and the ability to influence emotions is the only way to bridge the connection void created by remote work and technology.Why closing out your day with a "midnight mirror" reflection is more critical for your vitality than focusing solely on morning habits. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction[01:01] The hidden reason high performers stay stuck[01:51] What Kobe Bryant revealed before the NBA[03:35] Where real confidence actually comes from[08:26] How leaders build belief without lowering standards[10:31] The three zones of becoming strong in life[12:11] What three injuries taught him about belief[14:13] The hypocrite monster every leader has to face[15:29] Why GrowthTime! had to become a fable[18:33] The ownership lesson most young leaders miss[21:37] When ownership gets replaced by victimhood[24:21] The coaching question that exposed the real problem[26:44] The village called Youville[29:19] Why ego quietly keeps leaders stuck[31:46] How to find purpose when everything feels fuzzy[33:35] Why AI cannot replace emotional intelligence[36:15] The remote work trap future leaders need to understand[39:41] Why learning without action changes nothing[42:26] What empowered confidence really feels like[43:51] The adulting gift every graduate needs[45:03] Why people hire Coach Q when they feel stuck[48:24] The gateway habit that changes everything[51:06] Where to connect with Coach Q[51:53] Damon’s challenge: ownership, growth, and getting unstuck[52:39] Damon and Madison unpack the Coach Q conversation[53:28] Is Learnit really a confidence intervention?[55:44] How to act before anxiety takes over[59:25] The uncomfortable truth about psychological safety[01:00:16] Why leaders should celebrate failure first[01:03:00] The lesson Damon learned from his daughter’s bike race About Quinn Harwood Quinn Harwood is an executive coach, author, and former professional basketball player. After a career that included stints with the Los Angeles Lakers' summer league and the Los Angeles Clippers, Quinn transitioned into leadership, serving as a general manager for high-performance organizations before moving into full-time coaching. He is the author of GrowthTime!: The Clear Path to Unlock Your Best Life and Leadership, a coaching fable designed to help emerging leaders navigate their personal and professional growth journeys. Quinn is dedicated to helping "mission movers" align their values with their careers through his coaching and his "Monday Movers Mindset" newsletter. Resources and Mentions GrowthTime!: The Clear Path to Unlock Your Best Life and Leadership book: https://www.amazon.com/GrowthTime-Coaching-Fable-Unlock-Leadership/dp/B0F1G847H4 Quinn Harwood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-harwood-455517108/ Quinn Harwood’s website: https://coachqharwood.com/ Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    1h 4m
  3. 303. The #1 Reason Companies Fail (& How To Fix It) | Jamie Shaver

    Jun 16

    303. The #1 Reason Companies Fail (& How To Fix It) | Jamie Shaver

    Are you launching great ideas only to watch them fall apart at the finish line? Many organizations struggle with execution because they start with a creative idea rather than a foundational strategy. In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Jamie Shaver, a strategic marketing leader who specializes in helping companies "get amped" and win. Jamie reveals why a "confused mind says no", whether it's a prospect on your website or an employee tasked with a new initiative. They discuss the critical internal-external alignment needed for success, why 95% of AI projects fail to get past the pilot phase, and how to stop "lollygagging" by implementing core values that actually drive accountability. If you’re tired of mediocre marketing and inconsistent leadership messaging, Jamie shares her blueprint for flipping the script: starting with strategy to give birth to messaging that sticks. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In this episode, you’ll learn... Why jumping straight to creative output creates execution gapsHow to use the same principles you use to win external clients, like identifying pain points and ideal profiles to gain internal buy-in for new initiatives.How a lack of workflow integration and unaddressed employee fears about job security keep 95% of AI projects in "pilot purgatory."How to move beyond generic values like "integrity" to descriptive behaviors that empower teams to tackle antiquated platforms and changing interfaces.Jamie’s exact method for sussing out a victim mentality by asking candidates to finish the sentence: "I would be a better leader if..."Why the best leaders learn to let the silence sit during an interview to truly understand a candidate's emotional maturity and intuition.How to protect your team’s culture by exercising your option to give notice to clients who don't align with your core values. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction01:13 — Why great ideas still fall apart02:37 — The Slack message that creates chaos04:21 — Why 95% of AI projects stall07:24 — The questions leaders skip before launching AI08:46 — Why slowing down makes teams faster12:51 — The small things that build real trust15:23 — The sentence every team needs to hear18:22 — When flexibility starts creating confusion19:37 — What to do when someone “crushes it” in less time20:58 — The second question that reveals motivation22:29 — Why canceling one-on-ones sends the wrong message23:36 — Core values you can actually fire by24:28 — Why “figure it out” became a core value26:42 — The interview question that exposes ownership28:21 — How to spot a victim mindset before hiring29:38 — Why silence might be your best interview tool31:19 — The belief Jamie has about every leader34:44 — How AMPED keeps values off the wall36:18 — The rebel value every company needs39:16 — How leaders create safety for hard feedback42:11 — The scoreboard that scares the wrong people43:32 — When a client deserves to be cut45:09 — Why mediocre marketing is everywhere46:51 — The bicycle wheel lesson for better strategy53:04 — Damon’s challenge for leaders and teams About Jamie Shaver Jamie Shaver is a strategic leader at AMPED, a full-service strategic marketing agency dedicated to eradicating marketing mediocrity. She works with mid-size B2B businesses, manufacturing companies, and global brands to build comprehensive strategies that drive measurable wins. Jamie is a proponent of "truth in love" leadership and believes that small things done consistently are what build lasting trust in any organization. Resources and Mentions Jamie Shaver’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-shaver-amped AMPED’s website: https://ampedstrategy.com/ Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    54 min
  4. 302. The Dream Manager: The Question Most Leaders Never Ask | Kate Volman

    Jun 11

    302. The Dream Manager: The Question Most Leaders Never Ask | Kate Volman

    What happens to a person, and to a company, when people stop believing their dreams can actually come true? In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Kate Volman, author, podcast host, and CEO of Floyd Consulting, for a powerful conversation about people-first leadership, employee development, dream management, workplace culture, coaching, creativity, and why helping your people become better versions of themselves may be one of the smartest business strategies a leader can build. Kate explains why an organization can only become the best version of itself when its people are growing, too. Even in the age of AI, she believes people remain the driving force behind great companies. Damon and Kate explore The Dream Manager, a coaching-based program that helps employees identify personal dreams, create action steps, and grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Kate also shares real stories of skeptical employees who experienced breakthroughs after feeling seen, supported, and encouraged to dream again. They also discuss why many people say they “don’t have dreams,” how leaders can reawaken curiosity through simple questions, and why pursuing a dream can be just as meaningful as achieving it. For CEOs, founders, executives, HR professionals, coaches, and business owners, this episode challenges the way we think about leadership, employee engagement, talent retention, coaching, and the future of work. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In this episode, you’ll learn... Why people-first leadership matters even more in the age of AI, especially if you want your team to actually use new tools, collaborate, and grow with the businessHow The Dream Manager program helps employees identify personal dreams like buying a home, improving their health, building stronger relationships, becoming financially free, or pursuing a creative goalWhy asking employees about their dreams can change how they show up at work, communicate with their team, take initiative, and build confidenceThe power of dream storming and why Kate encourages people to create a list of 50 to 100 dreams across financial, emotional, spiritual, creative, physical, and relationship categoriesHow leaders can help high achievers see their own superpowers, especially when they downplay their skills or assume “this is what everybody does”Why the pursuit of a dream is often just as valuable as achieving the dream because of the skills, confidence, relationships, and self-knowledge gained along the wayWhy growth often requires getting through the “messy middle,” the uncomfortable part of the creative process where most people are tempted to quit Timestamps 00:00 Introduction01:09 What happens when dreams stop feeling possible02:26 Why AI makes people-first leadership even more urgent05:13 What a Dream Manager actually does13:36 Why coaching unlocks what people keep buried16:10 Should the CEO share their dreams too?18:19 What if you think you have no dreams?22:54 How dream storming works24:17 The relationship people want to fix first25:55 Why “start small” beats big promises28:06 How leaders help people see their superpower30:45 The mentor moment Kate never forgot36:08 Who should become the Dream Manager?40:21 A simple exercise to get your team dreaming42:39 Why chasing the dream matters more than reaching it44:40 The dream Kate abandoned, and why it still mattered46:35 Why everyone is creative, even if they don’t think so49:43 How curiosity opens a bigger world51:09 Why dreams need a messy middle54:57 Who needs a Dream Manager most57:39 Damon’s challenge for every leader58:49 Where to connect with Kate About Kate Volman Kate Volman is the CEO of Floyd Consulting, an author, coach, speaker, and people-first culture advocate who helps individuals and organizations reconnect with their dreams, creativity, and personal growth. Through The Dream Manager program, her book Do What You Love, and her podcast Create For No Reason, Kate helps leaders build cultures where people feel seen, supported, challenged, and inspired to become better versions of themselves at work and beyond. Resources and Mentions Do What You Love book: https://www.amazon.com/Do-What-You-Love-Creative/dp/1635823331 Kate Volman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevolman/ Kate Volman’s website: https://katevolman.com/ Create For No Reason podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-for-no-reason/id1534939856 The Dream Manager’s website: https://www.thedreammanager.com/ Books Mentioned: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon: https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253 The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Noticing-Creativity-Inspiration-Discover/dp/0525521240 Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    1 hr
  5. 301. High Performance Expert: Don't Let Fear Motivate You, Do This Instead | Josh Perry

    Jun 9

    301. High Performance Expert: Don't Let Fear Motivate You, Do This Instead | Josh Perry

    What if the thing driving your success is also the thing quietly keeping you stuck? In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with former professional BMX athlete, X Games competitor, brain tumor survivor, and high-performance coach Josh Perry for a raw conversation about fear-based leadership, imposter syndrome, survival mode, and the invisible costs that often come with high achievement. Josh breaks down how many leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives operate through three hidden stress lenses: inadequacy, insecurity, and scarcity. He explains how force can create results, but it can also lead to resistance, burnout, health issues, toxic relationships, and a deeper feeling of being stuck. Through his own story and coaching work, Josh challenges the idea that “working harder” is always the answer and invites high performers to ask what stories, fears, and survival patterns are really driving them. Damon and Josh also explore how fear-based leaders fall into control, micromanagement, overperformance, and constant problem-solving when their teams, clients, or partners often need to feel seen, heard, and supported. This episode is for founders, executives, managers, coaches, athletes, and high performers who want to overcome imposter syndrome, lead with more self-awareness, shift out of survival mode, and create success without losing themselves in the process. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “force gets results,” but also creates resistance, pressure, and the kind of accumulated stress that eventually makes people ask, “Maybe I should do something different.”Josh’s powerful question for new leaders who feel like they are failing: What story do you have associated with what is happening right now?How to uncover the meaning you are placing on external problems, especially when a team does not trust you, a role feels overwhelming, or a challenge seems like proof that you are inadequate.How to reframe hard things from “this means I’m not good enough” to “this is helping me learn, grow, and improve.”Why Josh’s brain tumor diagnosis became the catalyst for deep self-awareness, learning, and shifting from survival-based growth to purpose-driven growth.How leaders can support people through stress and change by seeing them first, instead of rushing to fix, solve, or deny their experience.How shifting the energy behind performance can help athletes, executives, founders, and leaders unlock better outcomes without forcing everything. Timestamps 00:00 Episode preview and introduction01:48 The 3 stress lenses holding leaders back03:11 When success becomes a coping mechanism04:57 Why force gets results, but comes with a cost06:20 The fear behind Josh Perry’s BMX career08:41 The X Games moment that revealed everything13:27 What if solving is the problem?16:36 The first step to breaking a leadership pattern18:53 Are you actually stuck, or just avoiding discomfort?21:27 Why motivation is usually a values problem26:56 Can you teach someone to be more motivated?28:45 The question that exposes your blind spots30:26 How a brain tumor became Josh’s wake-up call32:54 Fear-based growth vs love-based growth38:43 How to help someone through stressful change41:14 Why leaders try to fix instead of listen44:45 The hidden fear behind control48:35 What it means to stop “needing” the sale53:00 What fatherhood is already teaching Josh54:56 Who should work with Josh Perry55:31 The story you’re telling yourself About Josh Perry Josh Perry is a former professional BMX athlete, X Games competitor, brain tumor survivor, and high-performance coach who helps leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives move beyond performance and redefine success from the inside out. After leaving home at 17 to pursue BMX and facing a life-changing brain tumor diagnosis at 21, Josh was forced to challenge the stories, fears, and identity patterns that shaped his life. Today, he coaches high performers to uncover the deeper values, beliefs, and survival patterns driving their behavior so they can lead, perform, and live with greater clarity, alignment, and purpose. Resources and Mentions Josh Perry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperrybmx/ Josh Perry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshperrybmx/ Josh Perry’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshPerryBMX Josh Perry’s website: https://www.joshperrybmx.com/ Books Mentioned Drive by Daniel H. Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 When by Daniel H. Pink: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210624 Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Updated-Changing-Fulfil-Potential/dp/147213995X Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com.be/-/en/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    56 min
  6. 300. The Winning Mindset of a 2x National Championship Baseball Coach | Andy Lopez

    Jun 2

    300. The Winning Mindset of a 2x National Championship Baseball Coach | Andy Lopez

    What does it actually take to build a championship culture when nobody believes you belong in the room? For the 300th episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with a very special guest: legendary college baseball coach Andy Lopez. This episode is deeply personal because Andy was not only Damon’s coach at Pepperdine but also a major influence on his life, leadership style, and career. From telling Damon the hard truth as a young athlete to modeling what it means to lead with standards, discipline, faith, and care, Andy helped shape the way Damon thinks about business, accountability, and people. In this conversation, Damon and Andy revisit the unforgettable 1992 Pepperdine national championship run, including the “Omaha” pencils, the College World Series banquet where Andy’s name was mispronounced, and the bus speech that helped turn disrespect into fuel. Andy also shares the leadership lessons behind building elite teams at Pepperdine and Arizona, why “be on time” and “do the right thing when nobody’s looking” were the only two rules in his program, and why leaders have to be willing to “motivate people with the truth.” This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom on championship culture, servant leadership, mental toughness, parenting, accountability, resilience, and the cost of chasing greatness without taking care of yourself. 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Andy believed Pepperdine could win a national championship even when others thought the idea was ridiculousWhy Andy told his players, “Take care of tomorrow today,” and how that mindset shaped championship-level preparationWhy leaders cannot let top performers get away with toxic behavior, even when they produce resultsHow “one fly spoils the whole bottle of perfume” became one of Andy’s clearest lessons on culture, standards, and accountabilityWhy Andy believes great leaders must know what is happening in people’s lives outside of work, not just how they perform on the field or in the officeWhat Andy learned after open heart surgery about servant leadership, health, and the danger of becoming too consumed with yourselfWhy Andy says leaders should never lower their standards, but they can learn to lower the volumeHow telling the truth, even when it hurts, can be one of the kindest things a leader doesWhy Andy challenged players to identify their own standards and become “a warrior under control”What parents can do to help kids build identity, resilience, discipline, faith, and depth without living through them Timestamps 00:00 Episode preview and introduction01:42 Damon welcomes Andy Lopez for a very special 300th episode03:27 The moment Andy realized people thought his championship goal was crazy04:10 How “Omaha” pencils made an impossible goal feel real06:04 Why Andy banned his players from wearing another team’s shirt08:31 The “bad job” Andy almost turned down13:53 The College World Series banquet that lit a fire under Pepperdine15:21 What Andy felt when they called him the wrong name17:14 What Andy remembers from the final out of the national championship18:42 The moment Andy’s dad held the trophy and said, “I told you”20:57 Where Andy’s two-rule leadership philosophy really came from23:24 The only two rules Andy had for 38 years as a head coach28:46 The “one fly” lesson every leader needs to hear30:26 Damon shares the painful culture lesson he learned at Learnit32:47 Why fair leadership does not mean treating everyone the same35:24 The tragedy that changed how Andy thought about connection37:11 Why people need leaders who actually listen39:31 The health scare Andy almost ignored43:27 What changed when Andy returned after open-heart surgery45:50 The servant leadership lesson Andy learned the hard way49:09 How intensity and stress nearly cost Andy his life50:48 What Andy would change if he coached again today56:06 The difference between being nice and being kind as a leader57:05 Why telling the truth is one of the kindest things a leader can do58:15 How Andy used the five whys to get to the real problem59:06 The conversation with Andy that Damon never forgot1:00:33 Why “life is difficult” became one of Andy’s core messages1:01:47 Why impossible goals often get dismissed as luck1:04:35 How Andy brought Reality City to Arizona baseball1:06:50 Why great competitors need both the serpent and the dove1:08:26 Could Andy survive coaching in today’s world?1:13:37 Why Andy still believes in today’s athletes1:15:43 How parents can help kids build resilience and accountability1:16:31 Why Andy kept his awards out of the house1:18:07 The daily message Andy still sends every morning1:18:44 Why Andy wants people to have more depth1:20:12 What winning at Arizona meant with his sons in uniform About Andy Lopez Andy Lopez is a legendary college baseball coach, national champion, mentor, and leadership figure whose career spans nearly four decades as a head coach. He led Pepperdine to the 1992 College World Series championship and later guided the University of Arizona to the 2012 national championship. Known for his intense standards, deep faith, fierce accountability, and commitment to developing young men beyond the game, Andy built championship cultures by demanding excellence in the small things. His coaching philosophy centered on discipline, truth, preparation, servant leadership, and helping players get ready for life, not just baseball. Resources and Mentions The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Travelled-Psychology-Traditional/dp/0099727404 Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I Spotify Follow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X

    1h 23m
  7. 299. How to Find the Next Big Opportunity Before Everyone Else Does | Garrett Larsson

    May 26

    299. How to Find the Next Big Opportunity Before Everyone Else Does | Garrett Larsson

    What if the biggest startup opportunities aren’t in the hottest markets, but in the “old, clunky” industries everyone else ignores? In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Garrett Larsson, founder and CEO of Rhombus, to unpack how founders can build massive B2B companies by looking where the hype isn’t. Garrett shares why industries that don’t attract the most venture capital or media attention can still produce category-defining businesses, especially when there is a major shift in technology, go-to-market strategy, or customer behavior. Garrett also breaks down the lessons he learned across three startups, including why great products alone don’t win, why distribution may matter even more than product in the early days, and why founders must learn to sell before hiring a sales team. Damon and Garrett dig into founder-led sales, product-market fit, startup mistakes, board accountability, and how to build a leadership team that can challenge each other without letting ego wreck the company. From AI security cameras and cloud physical security to robotics, computer vision, B2B go-to-market strategy, startup culture, and the future of engineering in the age of AI, Garrett brings a practical, no-fluff perspective on what it really takes to scale. His core message is simple: the best startups are not perfect. They are the ones that learn the fastest, move on from mistakes, and stay curious long enough to keep getting better. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why founders should pay attention to “unsexy” industries that don’t get all the venture money, but can still become massive companiesWhy Tesla’s direct-to-consumer model is a powerful example of go-to-market disruption, not just product innovationHow Garrett and the Rhombus team used founder-market fit, old customer relationships, and direct outreach to land their first 10 to 20 customersWhy B2B founders should personally sell to 10 to 20 unrelated companies before hiring a single salespersonHow to tell the difference between smart startup risks and risks that can cause real damage, especially in security, data, and hardware businessesWhy every startup is “a different version of a shit show” and how the best teams learn from mistakes without blaming, dwelling, or repeating themHow Garrett thinks about founder relationships, open communication, letting go of grudges, and building trust across a long-term leadership teamWhy curiosity, hunger, and lifelong learning may become even more important as AI makes great engineers dramatically more productive Timestamps 00:00 Episode preview and introduction01:09 The hidden upside of overlooked industries02:35 How to spot an industry ready to break04:05 The go-to-market lesson founders miss05:14 Why the fastest learners win06:37 How one founding team survived three startups08:38 The founder conflict advice no one likes hearing10:58 Every startup is a different version of chaos12:51 When moving fast becomes dangerous15:42 What Rhombus is really building18:17 The hardware lessons software founders never expect22:12 How Garrett landed his first customers24:19 What good investors actually do26:22 The VC advantage beyond the check28:16 Should every founder stay CEO?30:11 Why founders must sell before hiring sales32:27 The warning signs inside sales and support34:35 How bureaucracy quietly kills momentum35:32 Will AI replace software engineers?37:50 The culture Garrett refuses to compromise42:10 Why busy founders cannot stop learning44:38 Rhombus’ next big bet: robotics46:46 Where AI-powered security matters most About Garrett Larsson Garrett Larsson is the founder and CEO of Rhombus, a cloud physical security company building AI security cameras, access control, IoT sensors, alarm monitoring, and guest management tools for businesses and large organizations. A computer science engineer by background, Garrett has started three companies and brings deep experience in B2B software, cybersecurity, hardware, AI, go-to-market strategy, and founder-led sales. At Rhombus, Garrett and his team are helping modern organizations rethink physical security with cloud-based systems, computer vision, and AI-driven insights. Before Rhombus, Garrett built companies in mobile and cybersecurity, including Mojave Networks, and learned firsthand that product matters, but distribution, customer traction, and fast learning are what separate good ideas from scalable companies. Resources and Mentions Garrett Larsson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettlarsson/ Rhombus website: https://www.rhombus.com/ Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.

    48 min
  8. 298. Former Tesla Executive: Why Speed Is the Only Business Strategy That Actually Works | Jay Abbasi

    May 21

    298. Former Tesla Executive: Why Speed Is the Only Business Strategy That Actually Works | Jay Abbasi

    Most leaders are moving too slowly for the world they’re trying to win in. In this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Keynote speaker and former Tesla executive Jay Abbasi to unpack why speed in business, leadership adaptability, and decisive action are becoming non-negotiable advantages in today’s AI-driven workplace. Jay shares how his time at Tesla taught him that in an environment full of change, chaos, and uncertainty, waiting on the sidelines means falling behind. The better move? Fail forward, take calculated risks, and trust that the first decision does not have to be perfect because you can always make another one. Jay also breaks down why high-performing leaders need more than hustle. They need resilience, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and the ability to lead through discomfort without burning out. He explains why burnout is not caused by what you do, but by what you do not do to recharge. Using his “Fundamental Six” framework, Jay gives leaders a practical way to build energy, clarity, and well-being through better sleep, physical fitness, mental fitness, positive consumption, social connection, and healthier daily habits. Damon and Jay also dig into what it really takes to lead in 2026 and beyond, especially as AI accelerates the pace of change. They cover how to give difficult feedback without avoiding discomfort, why concise communication builds confidence and credibility, how to influence without authority, and why adaptability may be the most important leadership skill of the next decade. If you want to become a faster, calmer, more effective leader in a world that refuses to slow down, this conversation is packed with practical leadership tools you can use immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn... Why Jay believes that “success loves speed” and how his time at Tesla taught him to take messy action, fail forward, and stop waiting for certainty before making decisionsHow leaders can stop spiraling after failure by observing their emotions instead of becoming trapped by anger, frustration, or self-criticismWhy Jay recommends the 4-7-8 breathing technique as a simple one-minute starting point for overwhelmed leaders who think they are “too busy” to practice mindfulnessWhy burnout is caused by what you do not do to recharge, and how Jay’s Fundamental Six framework helps leaders rebuild energy, clarity, and well-beingWhy discomfort before a difficult conversation is often a signal that the conversation matters, not a reason to avoid itWhy adaptability is essential for AI-driven leadership, and what happens to leaders who cling to “this is how we’ve always done it”Why concise communication is a future-proof leadership skill, and how “brevity is confidence, length is fear” can change the way leaders show up in meetings Timestamps 00:00 - Episode preview and introduction01:02 - Jay reveals why success actually loves speed03:20 - How to stop spiraling after failure05:19 - The inner voice test most leaders fail06:40 - Why Viktor Frankl still matters for modern leadership07:25 - The loss that pushed Jay into mindfulness09:48 - The one-minute breathing practice busy leaders can actually use12:23 - What to do when your thoughts won’t shut up14:48 - How grief changed Jay’s health, habits, and curiosity17:06 - Why burnout is caused by what you don’t do18:43 - The “Fundamental Six” every leader should audit20:35 - Why your workout does not need to be 90 minutes25:27 - The hidden trap behind people pleasing30:39 - How to face discomfort without beating yourself up33:29 - The visualization trick that makes hard conversations easier34:54 - Why adaptability will define AI-driven leaders39:46 - The human advantage AI cannot replace41:47 - How to become a more concise communicator44:12 - The feedback move that gives you instant data46:08 - Why your manager relationship matters more than you think47:07 - Jay shares the leadership mistake that rebuilt trust50:09 - Why specific public appreciation hits differently52:01 - The story-first format behind Jay’s podcast54:06 - The three leadership problems Jay is most focused on solving55:43 - Damon’s final challenge for leaders who want to move faster About Jay Abbasi Jay Abbasi is a former Tesla executive, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and host of the Unstuck podcast. His work focuses on helping leaders thrive in high-demand, fast-changing environments without burning out. Drawing from his experience at Tesla, his personal journey through grief and growth, and his work coaching leaders, Jay teaches practical strategies for resilience, adaptability, mindfulness, effective communication, and influencing without authority. He is especially passionate about helping leaders manage change, lead their teams through uncertainty, and communicate with clarity and confidence in an AI-driven world. Resources and Mentions Jay Abbasi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Jay Abbasi’s website: https://jayabbasi.me/ Jay Abbasi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Unstuck with Jay Abbasi podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstuck-with-jay-abbasi/id1757296131 Jay Abbasi’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast/videos Man’s Search for Meaning book: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 Smart Brevity book: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Brevity-Power-Saying-More/dp/1523516976 Mastering The Business of Storytelling: A Learn-It-All™ Mini-Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8_Ed_2nZqU4riK9XSdblfgBi4p_0iDYi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.

    57 min
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The Learn-It-All™ podcast is built on the conviction that the leaders worth following aren't the ones with all the answers. They're the ones who never stop learning. If you've chosen growth over coasting, and curiosity over the comfort of being the smartest person in the room, you're a learn-it-all. And this podcast is for you. Host Damon Lembi is a 3x bestselling author, CEO of Learnit, and someone who has spent 30 years watching what separates leaders who keep growing from those who quietly become the ceiling that limits everyone around them. Each episode features real conversations with top executives, founders, NYT bestselling authors, and world-class athletes — people who've faced adversity, made costly mistakes, and done the hard, unglamorous work of growing. They share what they learned — and unlearned — to lead at the next level. Great leaders aren't born or made. They're always in the making. Let's not do that work alone. Stay curious. Keep learning. Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode.

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